The Benue State House of Assembly has cautioned farmers and food processors against the use of hazardous chemicals in food production, preservation and other agricultural activities, warning that such practices pose serious risks to public health.
The warning was issued during Thursday’s plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Berger Alfred Emberga. In a statement by the Speaker’s Chief Press Secretary, Zape Michael Upaa, the resolution followed a report presented by the House Standing Committee on Food Security and Nutrition after consultations with officials of the ministries of Health and Human Services, and Agriculture and Food Security on the dangers of harmful chemicals in the food supply chain.
Presenting the committee’s findings, its lead presenter, Anyor Mato, explained that the indiscriminate use of chemicals during farming, food processing and storage could expose residents to foodborne illnesses, acute poisoning and long-term health complications.
